Tee-off Tips: SELF’s mini-guide to golf

With the worst of the winter weather behind us (we hope!) it's time to turn our attention towards spring. And what better way to welcome warm days and sunshine back into our lives than to spend a bit of time...

With the worst of the winter weather behind us (we hope!) it's time to turn our attention towards spring. And what better way to welcome warm days and sunshine back into our lives than to spend a bit of time hitting the links? If you avoid the green altogether or have never even picked up a club but would love to get started, you're in luck. SELF-staffers met with Marc Zien, a Callaway club specialist, at a recent launch of the brand's new line of RAZR clubs. Here you'll find all his pro-tips and tricks for even the most novice of golfers, including what clubs should be on the top of a beginners wish list and the proper way to swing.

For those of you new to the game of golf, Zien pointed out three basic tips to keep in mind.

Number one? Find a grip that works (and is most comfortable) for you. Whether that means holding the club similar to your tennis racquet or your hockey stick, the grip you will have the most success with is the one that feels the most natural.

Secondly, maintain an athletic stance, as Zien demonstrates in the video below, including keeping both knees bent and an angle in the waist.

Last, Zien suggests you let the club do the work. “A lot of times people work too hard [in their swing]. There’s lots of technology in the clubs that will do the majority of the work for you.” Don’t know what an effortless swing looks like? Check out Zien’s demonstration at the virtual range at Drive 495, below.

Now that you’ve got the technique, you need the hardware. As far as clubs go, Zien recommends either Callaway’s Diablo Edge line, or their soon-to-be-released RAZR X line of irons (available February 18.) The newest addition to the Callaway family of products, the RAZR X clubs feature Forged Composite technology, which shifts the center of gravity lower and deeper on the club head, allowing for a lighter, more stable club. If you’re only looking to invest in a few key pieces, Zien suggests you go for five, seven and nine-iron clubs (*These are actually written 5, 7 and 9-Iron, but I didn’t know the protocol since AP says you spell out num. below 10!), eventually adding a pitching wedge and sand wedge to your bag.

Still reluctant to give golf a try? Maybe this will help: the average woman will burn over 500 calories over the course of 18 holes, so just look at it as a workout. We’ll see you on the green!